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With the numbers she had come out for the camp just days after school let out in June, and the turnout for the varsity summer scrimmages, it's no wonder coach Casie Parker is excited.

Usually, there are no more than about 20 or 30 kids who come out for the skills camp the Monday after the last day of school.

This year, Parker was overwhelmed when 60 kids ranging in age from fifth grade to 12th packed the Boyne City gymnasium.

Several junior varsity and varsity players took advantage of open gym to prepare for summer scrimmages, which are not mandatory.

Parker was equally thrilled when she had 12 girls turning up at each of the scrimmages, which meant she could send in a new six at her whim.

Boyne City went to a six-team, two-day scrimmage last Monday and Tuesday in Pellston, and then competed in a 12-team camp on Thursday.

Among those participating was perennial volleyball power Kingsley, Pellston, Cheboygan, Harbor Light and Forest Area.

The Ramblers were without veteran middle hitter Amber Kotlik, who made all-state last year.

Kotlik attended a camp at Ferris State University in Big Rapids where she was under the scrutiny of the Bulldogs' women's volleyball coach.

"Without her, I was a little nervous about how we'd do," Parker said. "Because I lost four starters that were seniors.

"My girls played really smart. Halfway through the day they had a playoff, so as soon as you lost, you were done.

"And we made to the finals with Pellston. Pellston has a really good team. They made it to the quarterfinals at state last year.

"We lost to them by five points, and that was without my big hitter. Pellston had all of its players there."

Parker lauded the juniors who stepped up and performed well during the scrimmages.

Staying focused and playing smart, they impressed the other coaches.

They remarked about the Ramblers' play to Parker, who couldn't help beaming upon hearing the compliments.

Boyne City will be going to a Gaylord team scrimmage, the Ferris State "Team Challenge" for two days, and another scrimmage in Petoskey to finish off the summer.

Marysville, a former nine-time state champion, is expected to be at the Petoskey camp.

So is Lake Michigan Conference rival Charlevoix.

"I've had 12 girls at least, and 13 (last week), at the scrimmages," Parker said. "I'm real excited about our numbers.

"The girls are just showing up and playing hard. It's been great so far. Charlevoix and Petoskey were missing a few players, but were missing a key player, too, and still did well."

Many of the Ramblers are playing better in the scrimmages than they did last year, which makes Parker even more excited about the coming season.

Parker is also impressed with the girls' eagerness to participate in the summer scrimmages, even though they're not required to.

"They're wanting to come, and I think they see that the other schools like Charlevoix are scrimmaging," Parker said.

"I basically said 'We're going to be as good as you guys want to be. If you show up and practice, we have a chance to win league this year, and districts again.

"But if we don't show up until August, and Charlevoix and them are playing and practicing all summer long, it's going to be tough to beat them.

"And the girls have responded, and they've been there."

Lindsay Clemens will be beginning her third season as the Ramblers' primary setter, and she's been working hard this summer.

Parker has her for another two years, since she's only going to be a junior this season.

She was pulled up from the junior varsity as a freshman, and became a starter almost immediately.

As a sophomore, Clemens was in the lineup about 90 percent of the time, and her experience will be a valuable asset.

"That's what really helps when you have four new starters, because you have an experienced setter that is going to set them up," Parker said.

"And she can put the ball anywhere she wants to. She's very good, and should be tops in the area in setting. Last year she made all-conference and all-region as a setter."

Hanna Hausler started a number of games for the Ramblers as a junior last year, including against McBain in the regional final, and will be another key player returning.

Rachel Stevens will also be a senior this year, and has done extremely well in the summer.

The four seniors who graduated off the team were Jessica Knysz, Heidi Olsen, Trisha Tomkins, Stacey Spaniak and Ashley Juday.

"Losing four starters, I figured we needed a lot of playing experience (in the summer)," Parker said.

"So, we are pretty busy this summer, but it's really good for us. And the girls want to do it." Ê Ê